EventBBC reports El Niño, already the strongest on record so far, could raise UK winter snow chances by weakening the polar vortex in late winter. However, evidence on the link is unclear, and current forecasts predict no significant cold or snowfall.
El Niño, now the strongest on record, may raise the chances of wet, stormy weather in the UK this autumn and could trigger polar‑vortex disruptions that increase the likelihood of ice and snow in late winter. However, past El Niño winters have varied and current forecasts predict no significant cold or snow in the near future.
A stronger polar vortex may hold Arctic cold in place, potentially making mild weather more likely while increasing forecast uncertainty.
Met Office experts say it is too early to confirm whether the polar vortex will affect the UK this autumn, noting that El Niño could weaken the stratospheric vortex and allow severe Arctic air to move south, with forecasts of a wet, stormy autumn that may turn into cold snaps later.
